A demonstration by the students of Lovely Professional University (LPU), situated in Phagwara, Punjab, broke out following allegations that one girl student was sexually molested within a girls’ hostel in the campus, which the authorities of the university failed to address. The demonstration took a violent turn with destruction of property within the campus premises and obstruction of National Highway-44. An FIR is registered and the police have constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT).
What sparked the LPU student protest?
As per a complaint reported by The Tribune, one of the students had lodged the complaint of a sexual assault of a woman student in the girls’ hostel on 23rd September. According to the allegation, an outsider who worked as a plumber came into the hostel room and sexually assaulted a student in spite of being informed about it by the warden of the hostel.
The details provided are under investigation. The identity of the alleged survivor is unknown.
These are allegations pending investigation. The identity of the woman involved in the case has not been revealed.
They congregated near the hostel premises and then proceeded to the university gates, demanding justice, accountability, and better security in the girls’ hostels. They reportedly wanted action against any negligent officials, better accountability of the hostel administration, and assurances that they will not be victimized for raising their voice.
LPU management denies the allegations
The LPU administration has rebutted the allegations posted on the internet and termed them “false and fabricated”. They stated that the university would cooperate with the police and provide all the evidence, including the CCTV footage.
LPU’s denial has failed to address the issues raised by the students. The core issue is whether an investigation will determine what actually took place and whether there was a complaint to the hostel administration and a response.
An FIR has been filed and a special investigation team is looking into the allegations
An FIR was filed, an SIT was constituted to probe
The Punjab Police has lodged an FIR against an unknown person for rape and has constituted an SIT which comprises of policemen, a woman police inspector and representatives from the college. It was stated that forensics, CCTV footage, and phone record would be scrutinized. According to The Indian Express, after preliminary probes, no truth was found about the claim at the place where the protesters claimed it occurred; the probe is still on.
The protest also saw violence, which included damaging properties, burning vehicles and blocking a highway. After the protests, the university administration ordered suspension of classes for 10 days from September 28 and deferred the mid-term examination indefinitely.
For now the immediate concern of students is for the truth and accountability. It is vital for the investigation to uncover the truth and also maintain the privacy of the alleged victim.
